According to The Society for Oncology Massage, Oncology massage is the adaptation of massage techniques to safety nurture the body of someone affected by cancer or its treatments. An oncology-trained massage therapist has completed comprehensive training in massage therapy as well as additional specialized training on Lymphatic drainage that address the side effects of cancer and its treatments.  An oncology trained therapist is able to recognize and safely work within a framework of clinical considerations to provide a safe, satisfying and therapeutic oncology massage. An oncology trained therapist will adapt for:

Low blood cell counts, blood clots, bone metastases, radiation or surgery, fatigue or bone pain, removal of lymph nodes, lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, skin, hair and nail changes, medications, medical devices, late and long-term effects of treatment. Benefits of oncology massage include: reduced pain and fatigue, decreased anxiety and nausea, improved sleep, enhanced body image, easy isolation, nurtured well-being, and most importantly, it simply feels good!

​Even after people are out of treatment, receiving bodywork from an oncology therapist is important due to the potential for late  effects of treatment; therefore, this is an excellent therapy also for cancer rehab because it can help with scars and mild lymphedema.